Clarissa Naftzger

Clarissa Naftzger was nominated by Ulla Foehr. Clarissa is instrumental to the Belmont Community Foundation's efforts, particularly the successful community event, Imagine Together, which took place on August 9 of this year. Ulla noted, “She is proactive, organized, thoughtful, and she makes things happen. If Clarissa is involved, you know that the work will get done, and it will be done exceptionally well! She's always working in the background, and therefore, few people are aware of how much better Belmont is because of her!” Thank you for contributing to making Belmont better, Clarissa. We are grateful for all you do to help our community!   

Karl Mittelstadt

Karl Mittelstadt received five nominations from Terri Cook, Chuck Cotten, Jeffrey Goldman, Rose Laflin, and Mary Morrissey Parden! Karl has tirelessly served the Belmont community for nearly 60 years, starting his career with the Belmont Parks & Recreation Department, including serving as Director. He subsequently served on the Parks & Recreation Commission for several years, helped create the Belmont Historical Society, serves as the official Belmont Historian, and is involved with the Belmont Park Boosters' summer concert series.  

Jeff Goldman noted: “I have seen him mentor volunteers of all ages, from high school students to middle-aged dads, always in service to others and with a smile on his face.”  Mary Morrissey Parden writes: “Although people have seen Karl in his active appointed political life, most notably with Parks and Recreation and as our current Belmont Historian, it's really in Karl's everyday life that we find his commitment to the Belmont community. I cannot think of a committee, a non-profit event, or a Belmont business or organization that Karl hasn't touched with his quiet and deliberate commitment to this community. He supports Belmont beyond measure with leadership and conviction; and most importantly his integrity.” 

Karl, our entire city is grateful for the work and commitment Karl dedicates to supporting and improving our community. You are truly deserving of this recognition.   

Carolyn Hoskins

Carolyn Hoskins has lived in the Sterling Downs neighborhood for more than 40 years and is also the curator, founder, and Executive Director of the Domini Hoskins Black History Museum and Learning Center. The Museum & Learning Center is named after Carolyn’s grandson, Domini, who once asked her if there were any other famous Black people who did anything besides Martin Luther King, Jr.  

Carolyn has an extensive collection of items that highlight the extraordinary contributions that African Americans have made throughout our history. For many years, Carolyn primarily operated as a pop-up museum at various vacant storefronts along the Peninsula during Black History Month or as a special exhibit at the San Mateo County Fair. Earlier this year, State Senator Josh Becker successfully secured $2 million in funding to help Carolyn establish a permanent space for the museum at 890 Jefferson Ave in Redwood City. She is always looking for other ways to help her community far and wide, including collecting toys and books for Haitian community in Springfield, Ohio in September, working with local schools and educators to consider how they can celebrate and support Black History in our community, and a wide range of other community events at the museum. 

 Adar Emken & Susan Rendina 

What started as a New Year's resolution became a year-long community-building activity. Adar and Susan set out to walk all the streets of Belmont. Community members of all ages were invited to join the 1-hour walk each week. Slowly, but surely, Adar and Susan have walked, literally, every street in Belmont - not just the flat ones! This effort required dedication and planning to find a meeting place and route each week, fortitude to walk despite rain or wind or heat, and optimism to walk each week, whether the group was large or small. Friendships were made and community was created. Adar and Susan exemplify the mission of Parks and Recreation: Enhancing the Quality of Life for the community. 

Cari Pang Chen
Nominator Councilmember Gina Latimerlo told us, “Cari has been the extraordinary leader of the Sterling Downs Neighborhood Association for probably 15 years. An expert in community building, Cari organizes quarterly meetings and an annual neighborhood Newsletter that is hand delivered to each address. She navigates her community through times of change, joy, and difficulty, and her opinion is highly valued by hundreds of people. Additionally, she strongly supports the Dominic Hoskin’s Black History Museum and was a major contributor to their success this year in securing a grant to take the museum “on the road.” In her professional life, she works with the Forestry and Fire Recruitment Program which works closely with formerly incarcerated individuals.”

Adele Della Santina
Nominator Adda Quinn told us, “Adele has served two terms on the Belmont City Council in the past and was responsible for getting the CalTrain underpass approved to help traffic flow on Ralston. As a young widow, she raised and educated two fabulous citizens while working full time as a local realtor. She has a hoard of long standing and faithful clients and as a result has provided numerous associate realtors with help by her referrals to them. This past year, she served as President of the Belmont Redwood Shores Rotary in what can best be described a whirlwind of community and international service projects that range from supporting free medical equipment loan programs to free cars for vets to building sewing centers in Africa to empower women and girls. She has given untold hours organizing people and projects, and supporting activities to bring together people and augment the services and spirit we enjoy living in Belmont.”

Mike Fabel
Nominator and Belmont city staffer Annie Villaroman said of Mike, “Mike Fabel has been co-president of the Homeview area of Belmont for a few years now. He plans all of our community events, plans out all the planting in our community garden (also takes care of it), and lends you an ear if you need one. He also gives back to the community through the Good Shepard Church, donating his time at events, being a driver for those who cannot drive to church, and helping with anything they need. During election time, you can also find him as a poll worker. He can often be found sitting with this his dog "Brad" at O'Donnell Park and is such a great person to have in the community. He loves getting the kids in the neighborhood involved in gardening projects as well.”

Huan Phan
Nominator Mary Morrissey Parden told us, “Huan Phan defines so much of what the Belmont Water Dog Run (a community event organized by a local volunteer group) is about. The pillars for this race are to have fun, build community, and do good. Huan has taken it one step further as he has worked with Carlmont High School interns to create designs, develop marketing strategies, cull data, and plan race logistics. Truly, our event is community supported and student powered. Huan is not only the president of the Water Dog Run, he is someone you always want on your team as he crosses the finish line.”

Ilona Holcomb
Nominator Mike Gambucci introduced us to Ilona with these words, “Ilona is the 2023 Volunteer of the Year for AYSO in Belmont. She has stepped up and taken on multiple leadership roles within our Board of Directors to ensure we were able to field a season for the 600+ children that depend upon us to play in this recreational league. She was the interim treasurer because our treasurer moved out of state, she was also the Registrar and she runs our School Yard division on her own- helping introduce soccer and the importance of team play and sportsmanship to almost sixty children under five. She is a role model for all volunteers, never failing to step up or step in when there is a need in our community. AYSO uses UK coaches to get our program off the ground every year. The UK coaches are youths from overseas that travel the US in the summer, teaching volunteers the basics of coaching and children how to play soccer. Ilona opened her home and hosted a UK coach in her home so that we are able to help more volunteers improve their craft. Overall, Ilona is not only a value to our organization- she is an example to all in Belmont should follow as she puts the needs of others above her own. Thank you Ilona.”

Ardythe Andrews

Ardythe Andrews was co-nominated by Jacqueline Kraft and Carisa Olivo who told us: “Ardythe Andrews’ strengths lie in her unswerving commitment to education in our community. 

For more than 15 years, she volunteered to raise money for our schools through Central School’s PTA, SchoolForce (the education foundation for all Belmont-Redwood Shores public schools) and several local parcel tax and bond measures. She became the first Executive Director for SchoolForce five years ago, allowing the education foundation to grow to meet the expanding needs of our schools, which are at the core of our Belmont community. Malcom Gladwell tells us that "Connectors are people who link us up with the world – people with a special gift for bringing the world together." Ardythe is a true connector. 

She not only knows countless people in our community, but also brings them together to support quality education for our kids. Her famous “volunteer” cake has encouraged so many others to join her to knock on doors or talk to neighbors and fellow parents about the value of strong schools in our community. 

Ardythe does not like to be in the spotlight, but rather places the spotlight on what is important. Ardythe is not only a leader, but also a 'doer.' She dives into every project or program with dedication, compassion and an open mind. We are beyond fortunate to have such a uniquely talented and committed community member in Ardythe Andrews. Ardythe brings us together and empowers individuals and organizations alike to support our kids.” 

Adele Carney

Pat Barkett nominated Adele Carney by telling us, “It has sometimes been said that the best things come in small packages. This fits Adele, barely 5 feet, to a tee. She has been a Friend of the Belmont Library for a quarter of a century. She "sits" on the board, though that is a misnomer, as there is little sitting involved for Adele. 

She organizes the books donated to the Friends Store which must be sorted, shelved and hopefully, sold. She ensures that there are volunteers at the store daily to accomplish this. Adele also donates her garage to store, literally, thousands of books for library sales, she sorts Chinese and Japanese books and totes them to the appropriate people and she accumulates truck loads of children's books for the African Library Project that are collected from her garage and then sent to Africa. She boxes and bags books to be delivered to the Mcquire Facility, the county jail. 

She most days collects and counts the cash, sometimes in pennies, from our "honor slot" in the store and delivers the money to our Treasurer John Violet. 

Adele is not only a friend to our library. Before Covid-19, she delivered meals for the Samaritan House and packaged meals for AIDS patients in Redwood City. Adele is proof positive that there are Angels here on earth."

Lois Peterson

Lois Peterson’s nominator, Michelle, told us “I volunteer with Lois at the Homeless Cat Network in Belmont.

What I've come to discover is that Lois extends herself out in all directions when it comes to volunteerism. She helps a lady who also accepts abandoned cats, volunteers at FILOLI gardens, and the HCN shelter.

She is a retired high school teacher that can't stop giving back to the community.

I don't know what category she would go under but I believe she deserves a big thank you." 

City staff received Lois's nomination in 2022, but it wasn't until early 2023 that they were able to reach her. She accompanied her nominator Michelle for a visit to Belmont City Hall on March 1, 2023 where this photo was taken. 

 
Bill & Dianne Piedemonte

Adele Della Santina/Rotary Club of Belmont & Redwood Shores nominated Mr. and Mrs. Piedemonte by telling us "that they have contributed generously to our Scholarship Fund that makes huge differences in the lives of Carlmont High School graduates. They admire our Rotary Club’s dedication to the community and have donated greatly." Since they are not Belmont residents, we honor the Piedmonte’s with a certificate of appreciation for their commitment to Belmont.

Ulla Foehr

Ulla was nominated and selected for her unselfish leadership and relentless commitment to the Belmont community, particularly through her long-term volunteerism in the Carlmont Academic Foundation, PTA, Parks & Recreation Commission, and School Force.

Ulla leads a board of volunteers with poise, grace and complete responsibility and accountability. She was responsible for leading fundraising efforts in the midst of the pandemic to raise an all-time high of $950,000 for the foundation.

Ulla is a true civic leader, giving of her time tirelessly, and is always looking at the big picture of what will best serve our students and the entire community. Her contributions, vision and diplomacy as a community builder makes Ulla more than deserving of this award. Congratulations, Ulla!

David Baker

David is also another deserving winner of our Community Service Award this year, as he sets the example on how to quietly have a huge impact on our neighborhoods.

David is a role model, as he has volunteered numerous hours cleaning up graffiti and signs to make our community more aesthetically pleasing.

In October, David hosted his Jack-o-Bot 3000 where he distributed King Size candy bars without touch in order to help make Halloween a fun and enjoyable experience for kids and families during a difficult pandemic year.

David can always be seen in the Central neighborhood, somehow giving back to our community and cleaning up our neighborhoods. His commitment to volunteerism, cooperation, and hard work in service to Belmont has more than earned him this award. Congratulations, David! 

Michelle Kelley 

Michelle was nominated and selected for her unselfish leadership, cooperation and commitment to the Belmont community, particularly through her long-term volunteerism in Belmont schools, PTA and School Force.

Michelle encourages others to volunteer and be active in our community and was responsible for developing the “I’m in” fundraising campaign. Michelle organized the car parade for this year’s Carlmont grads due to the pandemic and, in doing so, positively impacted such a memorable milestone for so many families during an otherwise difficult time.

Her contributions to Parent Progress Series, a program for at-risk students, being a visionary and community builder, and her tireless dedication to being an active volunteer and leader in the community makes Michelle more than deserving of this award. Congratulations, Michelle!  

Dolores Quigg

Dolores is also another deserving winner of our Community Service Award this year, as she has volunteered with the Belmont Police Department as a chaplain for many years.

In 2020, Dolores assumed the role of Lead Chaplain and has provided invaluable support for those who have just experienced tragedy in crisis situations. Dolores has been an active steward in Belmont by going above and beyond to serve her community and the Belmont Police Department.

In this unprecedented year, Dolores makes it a point to drop by the police department on a weekly basis to check in with officers and department staff to ensure their well-being.

Dolores was principal of Notre Dame Elementary School for 32 years from 1975 through 2007 and has served as volunteer at Samaritan House. Dolores’ countless hours of dedication to the betterment of Belmont, contributing to community and being a true example of selfless volunteerism have not gone unrecognized. Congratulations, Dolores!